De Ravenal Family/Tharion

Tharion de Ravenal

Status:	Alive
Class	Hero
Realm/Island:	Greater Aenilia, Far East
Title:	High King
Former realms:	N/A
Former titles:	Marshal of Nahad Field Marshal of Greater Aenilia Viscount of Ornaz Duke of Lasop Captain General of Greater Aenilia

Appearance & Personality

Like his mother, Tharion has sandy blonde hair which he has grown to his shoulder, his own personal way of honouring the memory of his brother, the Baron Rhathar. He stands 5'9", and while he lacks the height of many knights, he maintains a strict regime of strength and agility training.

Tharion is seemingly unaware of his good looks and while his pale blue eyes have attracted more than one love stricken girl, he has had few successful romantic dealings with the opposite sex. Over time a romance has blossomed between Tharion and a common adventurer, Yleina. This relationship could prove the downfall of Tharion's standing in Aenilia.

Tharion is a clever man although he understands the need to call on the aid of others when it is needed. Naturally compassionate, his time spent guiding the armies of Aenilia and playing the political games that come with such territory has awakened Tharion to the way in which the world truly works. He seeks to maintain an honourable course of action but understands that sometimes other methods are needed.

History

Tharion commanded the forces of the Aenil on three separate occassions, most notably during the second battle for Erahol which saw a crushing victory won for Greater Aenilia but Tharion was injured during the melee. Despite his young years he was given the title, Count of Ornaz in addition to the Marshaldom of Nahad.

Being given command of the Greater Aenilian armies, Tharion quickly found himself leading the realm into war against Colasan. With little time to prepare and confusion following the sudden departure of Lord Zelos from command, Tharion managed to organise the realm and they proved themselves worthy allies on the battlefield.

An alliance with Soliferum had drawn Greater Aenilia into battle against the forces of Nighthelm. After two less than successful forays into the field, Tharion marshalled his forces with the intent to crush the mobile army of Nighthelm by striking at Batesaor, drawing them into a direct conflict. The initial attack was a resounding success and the few militia behind the walls were quickly overcome with minimal casualties, however the waiting Nighthelm army launched an immediate counter assault in a desperate attempt to regain their land. Against the forces of Greater Aenilia and Zonasa the Nighthelm army stood no chance and were soundly defeated.

Immediately following this battle came the most shocking event in the campaign. While the Zonasian and Soliferum leadership wanted Batesaor reinforced and a takeover commenced, Tharion sensed a chance to humiliate Nighthelm by crushing them once again, this time at Idaol where a the remaining enemy had rallied, including their King, Gul'Dan. Having questioned Gul'Dan's bravery, Tharion ordered the attack and handed direct command of the battlefield to his Marshal, Kazuma. In the resulting conflict Nighthelm did indeed crumble, their once proud army completely obliterated and most importantly, King Gul'Dan was killed by Kazuma's hand.

Having overseen the defeat of Nighthelm, Tharion was next tasked with aiding Lasanar in their assault of Anacan and the creation of a new realm. Having lost the first battle, the allied forces returned in lesser numbers and crushed the Antozan resistance. Tharion commanded an assault against Taop, and then stoicly held the position against repeated Antozan attacks, ensuring that the last remnants of the once mighty realm were unable to re-organise and threaten.

His final act of command was to oversee the conquest of Svunnetland, a campaign which left a bitter taste in the Lord's mouth. Political wrangling disrupted his plans and the glorious retribution against Svunnetland culminated in nothing more than a single skirmish at Zolon. The victory held little honour and Tharion was personally disenchanted with the outcome.

When the Duchy of Lasop, newly gained from the fallen Kingdom of Kamador required a new Duke, Tharion relinquished his post and took control of the city. Having grown dissatisfied with the lack of communication and general lack of involvement from Emperor Orphen, Tharion was convinced by Duke Luyten to air these complaints in public and call for new elections. He was further honoured by the suggestion that he himself be named a candidate.

Silence enveloped the realm as all waited for the Emperor's reply, which was not forthcoming until nearly a month had passed. Only Dukes Luyten and Xarnelf, as well as Exchequer Rekhyt commented on Tharion's ultimatum during this time as many others seemed to be waiting for an official response.

The election was called with only two named candidates and the next day it emerged that Emperor Orphen had regained his throne. It was a closely run thing with Orphen winning by 13 votes out of the 442 cast. Nearly a third of the total votes were given in favour of Duke Luyten and Lord Rekhyt, both of whom spoke in support of Tharion.

This was a bitter blow and it would later emerge that some had missed the voting. Tharion honored the outcome and made the decision to leave the realm. Staying would open up the temptation of rebellion, an outcome that he did not wish. Orphen was a dangerous and unpredictable man, one whom Tharion had never shared friendship.